How to properly clean a balcony in an apartment

Cleaning an apartment balcony requires more planning and safety than indoor cleaning — especially in high-rise buildings. Here’s a step-by-step guide, including what tools and products to use, safety tips, and tricks for cleaning balcony glass quickly and efficiently.

What You’ll Need

• Broom or outdoor brush;
• Dustpan;
• Vacuum cleaner (optional, for corners and crevices);
• Bucket with warm water;
• Microfiber cloths or rags;
• Scrub brush or stiff-bristle brush;
• All-purpose cleaner or degreaser (for railings/floor);
• Glass cleaner (or vinegar-water mix for windows);
• Long-handled squeegee;
• Rubber gloves;
• Protective eyewear (if working with chemical sprays);
• Step stool (only if absolutely safe and necessary).

General cleaning order: top to bottom

The golden rule of cleaning still applies here: start from the top and work your way down. This ensures that dust, spider webs, or grime that fall during cleaning don’t dirty already cleaned areas below.

Standard cleaning order:

1. Ceiling (if your balcony covered), walls, and any overhangs: remove cobwebs, wipe down light fixtures.
2. Balcony railings and screens: these collect a lot of dirt and pollen.
3. Glass doors and balcony windows (inside and out if accessible): see tips below.
4. Furniture, grill, or storage units: wipe and disinfect.
5. The floor: always leave it for last, after all dust and debris from above have fallen. However, if the balcony floor is extremely dusty or dirty, it’s a good idea to sweep it lightly at the beginning. This helps prevent dust from getting kicked up later and settling on freshly cleaned windows or surfaces.

How to сlean balcony glass quickly and effectively

• Start by removing dust from the windows using a dry microfiber cloth. Wipe down the glass and the entire window frame, and don’t forget to clean the tracks if you have sliding balcony doors.
• Use a squeegee with a rubber edge for streak-free results.
• Apply glass cleaner or a DIY mix (water + vinegar) with a clean microfiber cloth.
• Work top to bottom, cleaning in horizontal strokes, wiping your squeegee after each pass.
• Don’t forget to wash the track of the sliding door — a detail many miss!

Safety Tips:

• Never place bottles, sprays, or tools on the balcony rail — wind can knock them off and endanger people below.
• If you’re on a high floor, only clean the outside of the windows if they fully tilt inward or you’re trained for that.
• For uncovered balconies, avoid slippery cleaners on the floor — it can become hazardous.
• Make sure your building allows balcony cleaning (some condos or rentals have rules).

Extra Tips

• Clean your balcony at least once per month, especially if you’re near a highway or a busy road — heavy metals and pollutants build up fast.
• Use a lint roller or handheld vacuum to clean soft furniture or cushions kept outside.
• Consider placing a small mat at the balcony entrance to keep dirt from being tracked indoors.